Royal BC Museum
Royal BC Museum, Victoria: Hours, Address, Royal BC Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
Royal BC Museum
Royal BC Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
See all of British Columbia at the Royal BC Museum, a world-class museum of natural and human history. Explore our core galleries and immerse yourself in tales of where we've been and where we are going. Marvel at the totems, masks and cultural treasures featured in the world-class First Peoples Gallery. Walk through the colourful "language forest" in Our Living Languages and hear greetings in one of 34 Indigenous BC languages. Experience authentic artifacts and highly realistic settings -- from the Woolly Mammoth in his rocky, icy world to a tar-scented trip on the HMS Discovery.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Royal BC Museum
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: James Bay
Best nearby
Restaurants
815 within 5 kms
Ithaka Greek Restaurant
1,332
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Grill
Legislative Dining Room
292
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Clive's Classic Lounge
225
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • International • Canadian
Cora
679
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Healthy
Bartholomew's Public House
579
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • British
Frankie's Modern Diner
610
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Diner • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Q at The Empress
742
0.2 km$$$$ • Seafood • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Floyd's Diner
420
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • American • Diner • Canadian
Red Fish Blue Fish
2,902
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Seafood • Fast food
Tea at the Empress
1,247
0.2 km$$$$ • British • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
125 within 5 kms
BC Ferries
4,474
0.2 kmFerries
Thunderbird Park
242
67 mParks
Empress Hotel National Historic Site of Canada
2,276
0.2 kmHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Inner Harbour
5,293
0.3 kmBodies of Water • Historic Walking Areas
Emily Carr Statue
12
0.1 kmMonuments & Statues
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
3,095
0.3 kmHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
The Netherlands Centennial Carillon
4
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Out of the Mist Gallery
6
0.2 kmArt Galleries
Victoria Conference Centre
17
0.2 kmTheatres
Miniature World
1,095
0.3 kmSpeciality Museums • Children's Museums
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
7,037 reviews
Excellent
5,096
Very good
1,566
Average
315
Poor
39
Terrible
21
diesel1129
Kelowna, Canada46 contributions
Orca Wow!
Apr. 2021 • Family
The new orca exhibit is amazing! It’s hard to plan with young kids, but we booked a time slot (covid restrictions) and made it work! Security was good with checking times and limiting capacity in certain exhibits. The museum has arrows on the ground indicating travel direction through exhibits, but if followed, much will be missed. We had to backtrack or double around a lot of rooms/areas to see everything. We spent 2hrs in the museum with small kids and they managed to west masks the entire time with complaints. Security is very present which is slightly annoying and irritating, but we understood their reasoning. Overall, the museum is adapting to Covid restrictions as best they can well still allowing guests to visit. It’s pricey for small kids, but adult admission is worth it.
Written April 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amy K
Cochrane, Canada18 contributions
Surprisingly fun!
Apr. 2021 • Family
My daughter and I came here and I was expecting it to be a less interesting stop for her (she is only 9) but they had an April Fools visual scavenger hunt that we really enjoyed.
Written April 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pascal G
Richmond, Canada25 contributions
My favorite museum
Mar. 2021
This is one of my favorite museums. It's an exceptionally well presented museum detailing the history of BC. I best thing.... the Mammoth
Written March 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HolidayGal
Victoria, Canada13 contributions
Emily Carr's wonderful collection on view now
Dec. 2020
An excellent collection of Carr's work during her sojourn in France and paintings after she returned to BC which employed her impressionist skills from France.
Written January 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mr Johnny
10 contributions
Mr Johnny
Feb. 2020 • Family
Always visit as much as we can.
Very educational.
Very fun for children.
Great time spend a few hours
Very educational.
Very fun for children.
Great time spend a few hours
Written January 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bill2025
Surrey, Canada80 contributions
Pretty Good
Dec. 2020 • Couples
Went here on Christmas Eve, to see the Emily Carr exhibition and the Christmas decorations in Old town. The exhibition was very nice but the Christmas decorations in Old town were very minimal therefore didn’t get the Christmas feeling.
Written December 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DiversTwo
Victoria, Canada80 contributions
The Human and Natural History of British Columbia
Oct. 2020
Spoiler Alert! I worked at the Museum for 20 years so I am quite biased. This is an amazing place that requires at least 3 hours to see and that is just a cruise through. The human and natural history of British Columbia preserved and displayed in a wonderful series of exhibits and dioramas that will interest and educate. I would bet that you will say "I didn't know that" more than once during your visit.
Written November 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PrincessFi88
Vancouver, Canada244 contributions
Awesome exhibits
Nov. 2020 • Couples
The exhibits are so immersive and well organized. Loved spending 2 hours here and loved the one-way system in place for Covid. Amazing museum with information on all aspects of BC history.
Written November 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Albertaeric
23 contributions
Well worth the time
Nov. 2020 • Couples
Updated and informative. Displays and exhibits are well cared for and clean. Interactive and engaging
Written November 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Craig G
Courtenay, Canada8 contributions
Interesting and informative
Nov. 2020 • Couples
First nations exhibit was interesting and did a good job in showing the exploitation that colonialism brought upon aboriginal people in Canada. It also showed how colonialism contributed to the advancement of the first Nations people as well. I believe it’s something that all Canadians should see you before judging and holding first Nations people in contempt.
Written November 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David L
Comox, Canada0 contributions
Is military and spouse free?
RobertMJThompson
Victoria, Canada680 contributions
sorry for slow response, please call the museum for ticketing info...rates have been advertised as 'reduced due to COVID'
Vacationtime2014
Prince George, Canada60 contributions
Are you able to rent wheelchairs there like Bouchard Gardens?
Chaching1197
Puyallup, WA131 contributions
Wheelchairs are available for use within the museum. Its first come first serve basis at the Coat Check area.
janerullo
Ladysmith, Canada0 contributions
Is there elevator access to the archive level? Can disabled people get into the Archives and Sisters of St Ann's?
Danda H
23 contributions
RBCM Archives - suggest you call direct re. access to Archives, 250-256-7226. St. Ann's Academy - there is disabled access available by arrangement during opening hours. St. Ann's Archives is not at the Academy... has its own web site - best to enquire re. access via that, 250- 953-8829. Good luck!
bellbird33
Vancouver, Canada18 contributions
How long do you need to visit tinge museum?
Minkymonkey
London367 contributions
A whole day ..Morning and then go off for lunch and return in the afternoon.
Your ticket allows you to return for free on the same day
Misty S
Illinois64 contributions
We are arriving by Cruise Ship (Norwegian) on Friday June 16th. what is the best way to get from port to Museum? Is it close enough to walk or should we get a ride? Also according to website it says weekend hours are until 10pm, is that accurate? Thank you for any help
Steve B
Chemainus, Canada51 contributions
Hey Misty,
Google maps says it is a 23 minute walk from Ogden point, where the cruise ships come in. Not too bad, all flat ground and if you follow the water, some very nice things to see like the inner harbour and legislature buildings. Lots of taxis and etc are there as well. City buses and tour buses run in that area too. But if you are healthy, it is a great easy walk.
Friday and Saturday the museum is open 10am to 10pm. The rest of the week is 10am-5pm.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal BC Museum
- Royal BC Museum is open:
- Thu - Thu 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Fri - Fri 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Sat - Tue 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- We recommend booking Royal BC Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 Royal BC Museum tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Royal BC Museum:
- Small-Group Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver (From C$248.23)
- 2-Hour Grand City Tour (From C$122.87)
- Victoria Self-Guided Audio Tour (From C$15.03)
- Victoria Grand City Private Tour and Craigdarroch Castle (From C$15.69)
- Grand City With High Tea At Butchart Gardens Tour (From C$307.17)
- Hotels near Royal BC Museum:
- (0.17 km) Helm's Inn
- (0.24 km) Fairmont Empress
- (0.28 km) DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria
- (0.27 km) Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour
- (0.37 km) Magnolia Hotel And Spa
- Restaurants near Royal BC Museum:
- (0.02 km) Sequoia Coffee
- (0.03 km) Mark's Big Dogs & Burgers
- (0.13 km) Old Spaghetti Factory
- (0.20 km) Tea at the Empress
- (0.12 km) Le Petit Dakar
- Attractions near Royal BC Museum:
- (0.04 km) IMAX Victoria In the Royal BC Museum
- (0.18 km) Five Star Whale Watching
- (0.16 km) BC Ferries
- (0.07 km) Thunderbird Park
- (0.19 km) CVS Tours